Friday, January 22, 2016

Team Drea Challenge 2016

When I started the Team Drea Challenge in January 2015, I
wanted to encourage my friends and family to take on a race that represented a
challenge to them – to crack open preconceived limitations inflicted on
themselves in order to find out what was really possible. The other goal was to
raise money for ALS research.

Team Drea started with 30 people and a goal to raise $9,000.
We ended 2015 with 100 members and raising $79,750!!!

Along the way, our team
members did everything from their first 5k to their first Ironman and every
distance in between. One ran 179 race miles across 15 events.Many ran further than they’d ever imagined
they could. Everyone I talked to said the challenge inspired them to work
harder and appreciate the race for what it was: a gift to themselves and a gift
to those with ALS. The gift of being alive.

For me, the Team Drea Challenge meant that I was making good
on the life’s goal I had always set out for myself: to make a positive
difference in the world. Not in a way I’d ever anticipated, but one more
profound than I’d ever expected.

The Team has inspired me
to do more, to try for more, to put myself out there more.12 marathons on my trike in one year…while
writing a book…while battling a terminal illness? Sure, why not try? Because
your life is what you DECIDE to make out of it, regardless of what happens TO
you.

In return, you will be invited to join the (closed) Team
Drea Challenge Facebook group to bond with teammates and encourage one another.
You will also receive a small gift from me before your race. We’re scattered
across the country (and in Europe), but we will organize team races, parties,
and get togethers as much as possible.

**Important** If you
are already on Team Drea, please indulge me and sign up again using the link
above so that I’m sure I have accurate information!

What’s New for 2016

Team Drea Kids Virtual Race

Last year, I loved how much everyone’s kids wanted to participate
in Team Drea -- fundraising, racing, holding signs for Mom or Dad, and sending drawings
in care packages to me, etc.

This year, we’re going to channel that enthusiasm in a way
that encourages kids to be active and learn about charity.

We will hold a virtual race for kids in August or September.
Kids (& their parents) choose the distance and try to fundraise for ALS
through a webpage that will be set up. They will receive a medal and be able to
submit photos and stories that will go into a book (e.g. from Shutterfly).
Parents can choose to purchase the book as a keepsake.

Last November, I read a Runner’s
World article about a marathoner with a terminal disease who
started an organization for athletes to donate race medals to patients,
veterans, and other people facing difficult challenges. The medal and a
handwritten note aimed to let the recipient know that people (even strangers)
care about them and to keep fighting.

I would like to adapt this program for Team Drea and people
with ALS. Many team members are planning to do multiple race this year – often
shorter races leading up to their big “A” race – which presents a great
opportunity to dedicate the medal to someone battling ALS. Basically, you'd be matched up someone with ALS who wants to participate and after the race,
you will send your medal and a handwritten note of support to the person.

This is an entirely voluntary part of the Team Drea
Challenge. Please indicate on your sign
up form if you are interested.

Andrea’s 2016 Races

My goal for this year is 12 marathons in 12 months on my
trike or (new!) hand cycle. To kick off the Race MedALS program, I am
committing to donate all of these medals to someone else with ALS who has been
an inspiration to me. I hope to profile the person on my blog.

Here is my race list so far – some of it is up in the air
because, oh yeah, we’re selling our house and moving back to Raleigh (!!!). Or they are tentative
until I get confirmation to use the trike.

Want to run with me? Many of them have shorter distances if
you’re not in the mood for a marathon: